Kaval's Kickoff: Front office rumble with Rapids, Whitecaps

The season might not start for another 27 days, but the Quakes Front Office is in midseason form while taking on the Vancouver Whitecaps and the Colorado Rapids in a knock-down-drag-out affair to see who can sell more season tickets in one week.

Fans should know that we are having a great offseason as far as ticket sales go. We have already sold more new season tickets than we did all of last year. This is a testament to our fans and their passion for Quakes soccer as well as the hard work and many long hours that our front office staff puts in.

This is the perfect week to either renew or buy a season ticket package if you have been on the fence. By making a purchase, you will not only secure a spot in Buck Shaw Stadium as we push to make the 2012 MLS Cup Playoffs, but you’ll also receive all the great benefits (exclusive parties, access to players, inside info and new stadium seat priority) of being a Quakes Season Ticket Holder and you get to help us kick the Whitecaps’ and Rapids’ butts. Let's get some measure of revenge against the Rapids for their 2010 semifinal victory over the Quakes as well as some payback against the Whitecaps for that terrible 90th minute goal last year at Empire Field that resulted in a 1-1 draw!

One way for our fans to help us win the competition is to make a tax-deductible donation of Earthquakes season tickets to the Soccer Silicon Valley Kidzone. Founded in 2008, the SSV Kidzone gives underserved youth the opportunity to attend an Earthquakes games. Even one ticket can make a difference for local youth. Please email fanrelationsdesk@sjearthquakes.com to participate.

In other news, we had a nice result Friday night in San Luis Obispo with a 2-1 win against the Colorado Rapids. Wondo strikes again. We have three more matches this week in Ventura before the club returns to San Jose. I have been happy to see the team focused on fitness and building chemistry together in the preseason. That will be critical for a successful 2012 campaign.

Finally, I want to personally congratulate Chris Leitch on his new role as the Technical Director of the Earthquakes Youth Development Academy. One of our organization’s major focuses this offseason has been to build out our academy system. Hiring a person of Chris' stature and understanding of the game at the highest level is a huge boost to our program as we strive to build the best academy in Major League Soccer. Please welcome Chris back to the Quakes!